The Transfer Tavern

West Ham have really missed out not signing Jonathan Bamba

West Ham have finally claimed their first three points of the season and Manuel Pellegrini will now look to build on positive signs his side are starting to show.

Many believed that when it all comes together, West Ham will be a challenging obstacle for any opposition to hurdle over and it a major stumbling block for Everton. The Hammers were tighter in defence, more potent in attack but more important dominated the midfield and that was the key to grabbing their first three points of the season.

Now it will be about maintaining that high standard but some fear it would have been made easier with another attacker as good as Jonathan Bamba in their ranks, a player they were interested in signing on a free transfer this summer.

Bamba, (who is valued at £7.2 million on Transfermarkt) has been in fine form for French side Lille ever since making the move across the country in the summer. Having previously shown his capabilities for Saint-Etienne, West Ham were among a host of clubs interested in Jonathan Bamba, due to a number of standout attributes the 22-year-old possesses.

So far in 5 short appearances for Lille, Bamba has provided three goals and has single-handedly inspired a more threatening attack for Christophe Galtier’s side.

His pace and trickery makes him a tough winger to keep tabs on and certainly, West Ham fans would feel he offers more than Michail Antonio and Robert Snodgrass, who are currently playing second string to Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko.

For a 22-year-old that bagged 8 goals and 10 assists last season, it is hard to understand why West Ham didn’t make a move for the free agent when they had the chance and that is something they could possibly regret in the later months.